High school golf: Gilmour's Andrew Bieber repeats as D-III state champion

SUNBURY -- It had been a while since Gilmour's Andrew Bieber won a golf tournament. However, the sectional and district runner-up truly saved his best for last, winning his second straight Division III state championship at NorthStar Golf Club.

Bieber (144) came into the two-day tournament tied for the lead at 73 and only increased his lead on Saturday, shooting a weekend-low 1-under 71. He was seven strokes better than the runners-up, Josh Brooks of Ashland Crestview and Cameron Michalak of Grove City Christian (151).

"The best thing is to see all the hard work pay off," Bieber said. "You work so long for so long and you never quite know how things are going to work out. I'm glad I finished off my high school career the best way possible."

Wearing a Duke shirt and hat -- the senior is on his way there after graduating from Gilmour -- Bieber had three birdies, two bogeys and parred seven of the last eight holes.

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Bieber was grouped with Michalak and Powell Village Academy's Jeg Coughlin (152).

"I was very nervous coming into today, because I knew this was my last round of high school golf," Bieber said. There are no second chances. It's kind of bittersweet, because I'm looking forward to playing in college."

This is the fourth straight year the D-III medalist has come from Gilmour. Alex Andrews also accomplished the feat in 2009 and 2010. Bieber was fourth in the state as a sophomore, helping the Lancers to a team title in 2010.

Avoiding any catastrophic streaks, Bieber had balanced nine-hole scores of 36, 37, 36 and 35. He shot a 152 at the Ohio State Gray Course in windy conditions a year ago and won by half this year's margin, but things were much calmer this time around.

"I wouldn't say that I didn't have an bad spots," Bieber said, "but I definitely think knowing the course and playing intelligently helped."

For example, on the 18th hole on Friday, Bieber mishit his driver and bogeyed the hole. Playing more conservatively, he played the par-4 hole short -- using an iron off the tee -- and got a par.

Crestview was the team champion with a score of 646.

OSU Scarlet Course

Chagrin Falls had a much-improved second day, finishing in third place (671) behind champion Dayton Oakwood (639) and runner-up Canton Central Catholic (658) in the D-II tournament.

The Tigers were led by Will Widman's 165 (88-77) -- good for 14th place overall -- and Tom Lucci's 166 (82-84).

Kirtland, in its first appearance at state, finished in ninth (706) out of 12 teams. Brad Snyder shot a 170 (89-81) and John Schnur finished with a 178 (93-85).

The Hornets were in second-to-last place after the first day but jumped two teams on Saturday, improving their 18-hole team score by 20 strokes.

The overall medalist was Eaton's Cameron Willis (151).

OSU Gray Course

Hawken finished in fourth place behind champ Sandusky Perkins in the girls D-II tournament at the OSU Gray Course.

Meredith Cohen led the Hawks with a 172 (90-82), while Isabella Joseph finished with 177 (91-86). Cohen was in 19th place, behind medalist Mady Mullins of Perkins.

The NDCL girls and returning state champion Danielle Nicholson of Geneva will compete in the D-I tournament at the Gray Course next weekend.